Allison Janney Shows Up at White House Press Briefing as 'The West Wing's' C.J. Cregg - NBC News — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 29, 2016 "Josh is out today. He has, I believe it's a root canal," Janney told reporters when she took the podium, referencing an affliction that had her character declaring: "I have to cancel the bwiefing," in the show's first season. "Yeah, he has a root canal. But let's be honest, I'm better at this than he is, anyway," Janney said. The allusions to "The West Wing" didn't end there. "It's Friday, so at half-past five, I will be performing 'The Jackal' in the office for anyone who is interested or remembers or cares," Janney continued.

Briefing prep always goes better when CJ Cregg is in the house cc: @AllisonBJanney pic.twitter.com/asp25hnRf5 — Josh Earnest (@PressSec) April 29, 2016 She also shared some vital information about the president with reporters in the room, saying that Obama was still hammering out his jokes for Saturday night's White House Correspondents' Dinner, but "he intends to be funny. Very funny." Obama's appearance at the annual bash will be his last, and Earnest later told reporters that he wasn't going to give any part of the president's speech away because he wanted to "protect his ability to surprise you." Video of C.J doing the Jackal - on The West Wing — Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) April 29, 2016 Earnest did eventually reclaim his territory (without apparent dental work), but not before Janney brought up a more serious topic and the reason for her visit to the briefing room.

"I am here today to draw attention to the opioid epidemic and to celebrate those who are working to help others combat substance use disorder," Janney said, adding that the show she currently stars in, "Mom," depicts the lives of people in recovery. "This is a disease that can touch anybody, and all of us can all help reduce drug abuse through evidence-based treatment, prevention and recovery — research shows it works," she said. While Janney never officially opened the floor for questions, a reporter did inquire about a pressing matter: who fictional "West Wing" Democratic President Jed Bartlet is supporting in the 2016 Democratic primary. And like any good press secretary, Janney as C.J. skirted the matter with ease. "I think you know answer to that question," she said. Allison Janney - TV.com Allison Janney EDIT Allison comes from a family of performers -- her mother was an actress and her father and brother are musicians. Her youthful dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater were curtailed by an accident in which she was injured colliding with a glass door.

Education: S 3: Ep 17 Caperberries and a Glass Eye 4/14/16 S 1: Ep 9 Ben and Vivian 4/6/11 S 1: Ep 8 The Assistant 3/30/11 S 1: Ep 7 Celebrity Tennis 3/23/11 S 1: Ep 6 Lingerie Football 3/16/11 S 1: Ep 5 Crystal on Ice 3/9/11 S 7: Ep 17 Election Day (Part 2) 4/9/06 S 7: Ep 16 Election Day (Part 1) 4/2/06 S 7: Ep 15 Welcome to Wherever You Are 3/26/06 S 7: Ep 14 Two Weeks Out 3/19/06 S 7: Ep 13 The Cold 3/12/06 S 52: Ep 131 Ep.

#14322 1/6/04 S 44: Ep 1 Friday June 30, 1995 6/30/95 S 43: Ep 2 Friday January 6, 1995 1/6/95 S 43: Ep 1 Tuesday September 27, 1994 9/27/94 S 41: Ep 190 April 6, 1993 4/6/93 S 5: Ep 17 Tales From the Resistance 11/25/14 S 1: Ep 10 Fallout 12/1/13 S 1: Ep 5 Catherine 10/27/13 S 4: Ep 11 Bee Day 4/26/13 S 3: Ep 66 This is Your Backstory 11/2/12 S 2: Ep 32 Finding Mary McGuffin 10/31/09 S 2: Ep 13 Thaddeus and Thor 6/15/09

 S 1: Ep 47 Hail Doofania!

11/7/08 The Lady of the Lake S 3: Ep 31 Excaliferb 1/15/12 S 3: Ep 158 Cast of The West Wing 5/11/06 S 2: Ep 106 Allison Janney/Laura Linney/Loretta Lynn 2/14/05 S 2: Ep 53 Allison Janney/Alicia Keys 11/17/04 S 1: Ep 111 Allison Janney/Liev Schreiber 2/25/04 S 1: Ep 13 Allison Janney/ Donnie Wahlberg 9/24/03 S 28: Ep 2 Friends and Family 10/2/16 S 1: Ep 182 2016/07/25 7/25/16 S 1: Ep 35 2015/11/02 11/2/15 S 67: Ep 1 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards 9/20/15 S 

1: Ep 1 2015/03/24 3/24/15 S 12: Ep 4 Allison Janney 1/23/15 S 2015: Ep 20150107 2015/01/07 1/7/15 S 27: Ep 56 2014/11/17 11/17/14 S 25: Ep 196 June 28, 2013 6/28/13 S 21: Ep 156 April 27, 2009 4/27/09 S 15: Ep 200 July 17, 2003 7/17/03 S 66: Ep 1 66th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards 8/25/14 S 11: Ep 158 2014/05/15 5/15/14 S 6: Ep 12 Allison Janney

/Wolfgang Puck/The Pussycat Dolls 9/23/08 S 4: Ep 29 Allison Janney/Emeril Lagasse/Chingy 10/11/06 S 10: Ep 34 Allison Janney/Ben Schwartz 10/17/13 S 2: Ep 76 Allison Janney/John C.

McGinley/the 88 1/16/06 S 1: Ep 100 Allison Janney/Julian Sands/Rilo Kiley 6/20/05 S 65: Ep 1 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards 9/22/13 S 1: Ep 7 September 17, 2013 9/17/13 S 22: Ep 39 Casey Affleck; Allison Janney 8/1/13 S 2: Ep 8 First Response 6/9/13 S 6: Ep 3557 The Insider 12/07/2011 12/7/11 S 1: Ep 193 Episode 193 8/9/11 S 4: Ep 260 Episode #4.260 7/5/11 S 6: Ep 15 Across The Sea 5/11/10 S 8: Ep 11 Dial Meg for Murder 1/31/10 S 58: Ep 99

 May 19, 2009 5/19/09 S 12: Ep 166 May 1, 2009 5/1/09 S 8: Ep 38 Janney/Watson 10/20/04 S 6: Ep 90 January 17, 2003 1/17/03 S 4: Ep 75 December 4, 2007 12/4/07 S 1: Ep 17 The Disaster Show 5/24/07 S 4: Ep 15 My Damn Stalker 2/12/07 S 3: Ep 11 Strangers With Candy: The Movie 7/7/06 S 1: Ep 5 Lude Awakening 9/5/05 S 5: Ep 2 Tournament 5 Game 2 2/1/05 S 1: Ep 2 Tournament 1 Game 2 12/9/03 S 1: Ep 11 1/23/04 1/2

3/04 S 10: Ep 164 Show #2009 7/15/03 S 10: Ep 57 Show #1920 12/12/02 S 9: Ep 151 Show #1806 5/14/02 S 7: Ep 8 Full Metal Dust Jacket 1/5/03 S 28: Ep 8 Al Gore/Phish 12/14/02 S 6: Ep 142 Allison Janney 5/16/02 S 9: Ep 17 Three Blind Dates 3/5/02 S 9: Ep 8 The Two Hundredth 11/13/01 S 5: Ep 179 Show #991 5/31/01 S 5: Ep 11 Show #823 9/19/00 S 2: Ep 3 The Minister of Television 1/14/99 S 1: Ep 4 Happily Ever Hilton 10/7/96 S 

1: Ep 8 A Very Brody Tweeznax 8/31/96 S 2: Ep 5 Digital Underground 9/28/95 S 1: Ep 4 Sins of the Father 4/23/95 S 4: Ep 22 Old Friends 5/25/94 S 42: Ep 3 Blind Spot 5/2/93 S 2: Ep 12 Star Struck 1/7/92 S 1: Ep 6 Home Buddies 8/28/91 S 1: Ep 3 Society Saps 8/7/91 S 1: Ep 7 7 9/22/09 S 3: Ep 6 Life Rights 5/13/12 S 3: Ep 3 Coma Chameleon 4/14/10 S 3: Ep 2 When Mary Met Marshall 4/7/10 Become a contributor Important: You must only upload images which you have created yourself or that you are expressly authorised or licensed to upload.

By clicking "Publish", you are confirming that the image fully complies with TV.com’s Terms of Use and that you own all rights to the image or have authorization to upload it. Please read the following before uploading Do not upload anything which you do not own or are fully licensed to upload. The images should not contain any sexually explicit content, race hatred material or other offensive symbols or images. Remember: Abuse of the TV.com image system may result in you being banned from uploading images or from the entire site – so, play nice and respect the rules! Choose background: C.J. Cregg Rides Again as Allison Janney Briefs the For-Real White House Press Corps | Decider | Where To Stream Movies & Shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant, HBO Go C.J. Cregg Rides Again as Allison Janney Briefs the For-Real White House Press Corps Apr 29, 2016 at 1:17pm 38317 Shares More Options We like The West Wing a LOT around these parts, and the worse that real-life politics gets, the more nostalgic we get for the simplicity (or at least the intense watchability) of the Bartlet White House.

Which is why we nearly spit out our Schweppes Bitter Lemon when we saw that Allison Janney stepped up to the podium in character as C.J. Cregg to deliver today’s White House press briefing. Allison Janney takes over White House press briefing as character ‘C. J. Cregg’ from ‘The West Wing.’ — ABC News (@ABC) April 29, 2016 Guys, WHAT? Further blurring the lines between reality and fiction, Janney/C.J. said she was there because “Josh” had a root canal procedure today. Josh being White House press secretary Josh Earnest, but we all know the most important Josh ever to strut down the halls of power in Washington was Josh Lyman. Who, of course, once took over a press briefing for C.J. when she was having a root canal. It did not go well. Kudos to the Obama White House for having a sense of humor on a Friday afternoon and for knowing exactly what this campaign-exhausted populace really needed: C.J. Cregg back behind the podium where she belongs.

Allison Janney on Her Double Emmys Win and Post-‘West Wing’ Act in TV | Variety Allison Janney on Her Double Emmys Win and Post-‘West Wing’ Act in TV When “ The West Wing ” ended in 2006, Allison Janney was secretly terrified. She worried she would never find another TV series role as powerful as the one she held in the Bartlet administration for seven seasons. She was nervous about being typecast as a specific breed of alpha-female. And she fretted that reality TV was going to take over network TV entirely, turning high-end scripted shows into endangered species. Boy, was she wrong. Janney, 54, is the embodiment of the extraordinary range of opportunities available to established actors in television’s ever-widening programming landscape. She took home two Emmys (Nos. 5 and 6 on her mantle) this month for her work in two very different series: the CBS comedy “ Mom ” and the Showtime period drama “ Masters of Sex .” Brent Humphreys for Variety As fellow winner Julianna Margulies observed as she accepted her trophy for “The Good Wife” at the Aug.

25 Emmy Awards , “What a wonderful time for women on television.” Janney’s wins underscore not only the expansion of the original-series marketplace but also the diversity of vibrant female characters of many ages. The notion that an actress’s career arc heads south after age 40 is laughable in an environment where Mariska Hargitay is in season 16 of “Law & Order: SVU,” Edie Falco is in season seven of “Nurse Jackie,” and Viola Davis is about to embark on “How to Get Away With Murder,” to name but a few. “Television is a woman’s medium,” Janney said, reflecting on her two-fisted Emmy haul. “I am proud to work in TV.” On the morning after a long night of celebrating, Janney was still effervescent. Not 24 hours after she was handed her second Emmy, the actress was game for a 90-minute photo shoot that ended with her hugging the photographer. After changing into jeans and a tank top, she perched herself cross-legged on a bed to discuss her career path.

As much as Janney loved “West Wing” — the White House drama that brought her four Emmys for playing the press secretary/chief of staff — she didn’t want to be “TV’s C.J. Cregg” for the rest of her days. When the NBC series ended, she sought to take a 180-degree turn into comedy. “I love crazy parts — the crazier the better,” Janney said. “I love the chance to be someone who is not me on the screen. I’m so grateful that there are parts for me at my age. I hope this golden age of TV never dies.” There were ups and downs in Janney’s immediate post-White House years. She had a deal with Chuck Lorre for a sitcom that didn’t go past the script stage at CBS — she was to have played a single dentist who falls in love with a pharmacist in her office building. She took a supporting role opposite Matthew Perry on the 2011 ABC comedy “Mr. Sunshine,” which was 13 episodes and out. And she did a pilot for NBC, “Friday Night Dinner,” with “The Office” boss Greg Daniels that didn’t get picked up.

She logged plenty of film work in that time — from “Juno” to “Hairspray” to “The Help” — and she starred in the Broadway run of tuner “9 to 5.” But she missed the live-at-home lifestyle offered by TV series work. “I didn’t think it was going to be as hard as it was” to mount a second act in TV, Janney admitted. “I thought, ‘I’ll just find another show, and it’ll be great.’ ” Brent Humphreys for Variety When “Mom” finally came along, Janney’s crazy wish came true. The Warner Bros. TV sitcom from Lorre’s shop revolves around the frayed relationship between mother and daughter in dire straits, financially and otherwise, both trying to get their lives together after years of addiction and bad behavior. Janney plays Bonnie, a woman who has slept around and played around for years while mostly ignoring her daughter, played by Anna Faris. The blend of laughs and poignant moments in “Mom” makes it a tough assignment for its stars. Lorre noted that despite Janney’s stature in the biz, she was willing to read with Faris to see if the two had the right chemistry.

He called Janney a “master of her craft” who is unfailingly generous with her castmates. “Especially early on in a show when you’re still groping around in the darkness, to have an actress like Allison who can stand and deliver no matter what you write is a gift,” Lorre said. “She is always participating in the other performances. She knows how to be part of the rhythm of the scene, even if she’s not necessarily the one with the jokes.” Janney’s love of physical comedy — learned from years of stage work before TV and film beckoned — has informed her character, Lorre added. “There’s a wonderful recklessness to what Allison does that has enlarged the character of Bonnie beyond what we originally envisioned,” he said. On Sony Pictures TV’s 1950s-set “Masters of Sex,” Janney plays opposite Beau Bridges as the sexually stifled wife of a college administrator who is tortured by his homosexuality. In Margaret Scully, “Masters” scribes and Janney produced one of the most nuanced portraits of a frustrated housewife ever seen on the smallscreen.

Janney has special fondness for the character, and said she took inspiration for Margaret from her own mother and the women she remembered from her childhood growing up in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. “I love her quietness,” she said. “She’s more like me than any character I’ve ever played.” “Masters of Sex” exec producer Michelle Ashford said Janney’s spark and connection with Bridges made the writers expand her part significantly. “Once we realized that she would do and could do anything in this role, we thought we really have to go for it,” Ashford said. “She is a delight to work with — so game and funny and good-natured. She’s one of the great ones.” For Janney, the Emmy wins amount to a big gold bonus on top of a year any actor would kill for.

She’s well into production on the sophomore season of “Mom” — “Bonnie gets a job, and that’s going to change their lives a bit,” she declares — and hopeful that Margaret Scully will return in season three of “Masters.” As Janney gathered up her Emmy-night accoutrements — the borrowed jewels, the designer gown, the beaded clutch and, of course, the winged statuettes — and prepared to head back to her three beloved dogs, she thought aloud about her plans for the rest of the afternoon. “I’m going to go home, put these (Emmys) on the shelf and watch TV all day,” she said. Allison Janney - YouTube Allison Janney 2,736 views Last updated on Nov 4, 2016 Allison Brooks Janney (born November 19, 1959) is an American actress, best known for her role as C.J. Cregg on the television series The West Wing. Janney was born in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Macy Brooks (née Putnam), a former actress and homemaker, and Jervis Spencer Janney, Jr., a real estate developer and jazz musician.

She has an older brother, Jay, and a younger brother, Hal. She attended The Miami Valley School in Dayton, where she was named a distinguished alumna in 2004, and the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut. She then attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. At Kenyon, Janney studied under another Kenyon alum, actor Paul Newman. Newman directed Janney in a play as the inaugural event of the school's newly dedicated Bolton Theater. Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward encouraged Janney to continue acting. She then went on to study drama at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She attended The Neighborhood Playhouse the same years as actor Dylan McDermott. Janney's first roles on television were as comedic foils on soap operas: she first played Vi Kaminski for a short time on As the World Turns, following up with a two-year stint as one of the Spaulding maids, Ginger on Guiding Light. In the spring of 1994, she appeared in the season finale of Law & Order, as a reluctant witness against a member of the Russian mob.

Janney has appeared in a number of films with roles of various sizes, including the 1990s films American Beauty, The Object of My Affection, Big Night, The Impostors, Drop Dead Gorgeous, The Ice Storm, Primary Colors, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Private Parts, and the 2000s films Nurse Betty, The Hours, The Chumscrubber, How to Deal, Winter Solstice and a considerable role in the animated movie, Finding Nemo, voicing Peach, the starfish. In 2006, Janney carried notable roles in the movies Margaret and Over the Hedge, an animated comedy. In 1999, she was cast in the role of presidential press secretary C.J. Cregg on the television drama The West Wing, for which she eventually won four Emmy Awards. Two of the Emmys were for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress - Drama Series in 2000 and 2001, and two were for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress - Drama Series in the years 2002 and 2004.

She was also nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in the 2003 and 2006 Primetime Emmys. Janney also won two Screen Actor's Guild awards for Best Actress in a dramatic series, in 2001 and 2002, for her portrayal of C.J Cregg. The cast of The West Wing won the Screen Actor's Guild award for Best Ensemble in a dramatic series the same two years. Additional accolades for Janney's work in The West Wing include four Golden Globe award nominations, and a nomination in 2002 for American Film Institute's Actor of the Year less Allison Brooks Janney (born November 19, 1959) is an American actress, best known for her role as C.J. Cregg on the television series The West Wing. Janney was born in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Macy Brooks (née Putnam), a former actress and...

more Play next Play now Play next Play now Allison Janney Biography - Actress - Biography.com - Biography.com Allison Janney Biography Theater Actress, Film Actress, Television Actress (1959–) 17 Allison Janney is an Emmy-winning actress known for a huge array of projects, ranging from primetime series such as 'The West Wing' and 'Mom' to films like 'The Hours,' 'Juno' and 'Hairspray.' IN THESE GROUPS » quotes “It took me a while to start getting roles. So I had a long time to struggle, and not get cast, and not get considered for things. I quit a million times. I took aptitude tests to find out what the hell else I could do with my life because I was not happy. But there was always something that would just keep me in right as I was going to quit.” “I like to find something relatable in the characters I play. I like to make them believable. Even in the meanest character, I like to find the sadness” “I don't like to play characters that are straight-on, or too honest, or too serious.

I like to play a character that's incredibly flawed, and complicated, and maybe has a little tragic unhappiness underneath, mixed with competitiveness and drive.” Allison Janney Synopsis Born on November 19, 1959 in Dayton, Ohio, aspiring athlete Allison Janney eventually pursued an acting career, earning accolades for roles that would encompass stage, film and television. She won four Emmys for her part as press secretary C.J. Cregg on the acclaimed series The West Wing, and later won additional awards for Masters of Sex and Mom. In addition to stage work like A View From the Bridge and 9 to 5, Janney has appeared in scores of films, including American Beauty, The Hours, Juno and Away We Go. Early Career and Famed Mentorship Allison Janney was born on November 19, 1959 in Dayton, Ohio. She was an athlete who played field hockey and ran track with aspirations to be a champion figure skater as well, though an accident that badly hurt her legs during her teens prevented her from continuing. She went on to attend Kenyon College, graduating in 1982.

At Kenyon she pursued acting and was able to work with school alum Paul Newman in a play he was directing. He and his wife Joanne Woodward provided mentorship to Janney, encouraging her to attend the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Woodward also directed Janney in stage productions. Multi-Emmy Winner for 'West Wing' A statuesque actress at 6’, Janney faced outright prejudice over her size in terms of landing roles. At times questioning if she should remain in the industry, she persevered and eventually began to earn major honors. Janney was featured in the 1993 TV movie Blind Spot, which starred Woodward and Laura Linney , before going on to co-star in a variety of film projects that included Wolf (1994), Big Night (1996), The Associate (1996), The Ice Storm (1997), The Object of My Affection (1998) and American Beauty (1999). Keeping her feet on the stage as well, Janney earned a lead actress Tony nomination for her role in the 1998 Broadway revival of Arthur Miller ’s A View From the Bridge.

Then in the following year, she began to play press secretary C.J. Cregg in the award-winning presidential series The West Wing. Janney herself won four Emmys for her stint on the program, in both lead and supporting actress categories. Array of Film Roles While finding major success in TV, Janney maintained a formidable big-screen presence as well. She gave a nuanced, steadfast performance as the lover of Meryl Streep ’s character in The Hours (2002), and later as a Jersey woman who becomes the apple of her widower neighbor’s eye in Winter Solstice (2004). In 2007, audiences came to know her as the direct, dog-loving stepmother of Ellen Page ’s titular character in Juno, with Janney portraying less lovable moms in ventures like Hairspray (2007), Away We Go (2009) and The Way Way Back (2013). She has also done voiceover work as seen with Finding Nemo (2003), Over the Hedge (2006), Minions (2015) and Finding Dory (2016).

Nearly a decade after they first co-starred together in Juno, Janney teamed up with Ellen Page again in the 2016 Netflix indie film Tallulah. Record-Setting Award Recognition Showcasing her singing chops, Janney was nominated for another Tony for her role in the 2009 musical 9 to 5. The actress continues to receive accolades for her projects: In 2014, she won two Emmys—one for her role in the sitcom Mom, which debuted the previous year, and another for her guest role as Margaret Scully in the Showtime series Masters of Sex. She was nominated again for both of those roles in 2015, winning for Mom and receiving her seventh Emmy. She's thus tied with Ed Asner and Mary Tyler Moore for the second highest number of Emmy wins (seven) for performances, with Cloris Leachman leading the way with eight awards.

Allison Janney On Sex, Sorkin And Being The Tallest Woman In The Room : NPR Allison Janney On Sex, Sorkin And Being The Tallest Woman In The Room Embed Embed Allison Janney On Sex, Sorkin And Being The Tallest Woman In The Room Allison Janney On Sex, Sorkin And Being The Tallest Woman In The Room Embed Embed On Masters of Sex, Allison Janney plays Margaret Scully. Janney was nominated for an Emmy as outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her performance. Frank W Ockenfels 3/Showtime hide caption toggle caption Frank W Ockenfels 3/Showtime On Masters of Sex, Allison Janney plays Margaret Scully. Janney was nominated for an Emmy as outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her performance. Frank W Ockenfels 3/Showtime Playing a woman discovering sexuality in the '50s makes actor Allison Janney think of — of all people — her mother. Janney's mother and father got married in their early 20s, and she doesn't believe her mother had sex with anyone else.

"I remember my mother talking to me about the birds and the bees," she tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross. "Of course, I had already known [about them], probably years before she came to me. But remembering the way she talked to me about it — it's just everything about her reminds me of Margaret Scully." Margaret Scully is the character Janney plays in Showtime's Masters of Sex, based on the story of William Masters and Virginia Johnson and the research they conducted into human sexuality starting in the late 1950s. Scully is married to Barton Scully (played by Beau Bridges), the provost at the hospital at Washington University, where he supervises Masters' research. Barton is closeted and the two are stuck in a sexless marriage. When Barton betrays Margaret by hiring prostitutes, Margaret finds herself in the throes of passion with another man. Article continues after sponsorship Janney says she became "fast friends" with the other actors on Masters of Sex — and had to ask for "just a little shot of courage" (read: bourbon) before her first sex scene.

Michael Desmond/Showtime hide caption toggle caption Michael Desmond/Showtime Janney says she became "fast friends" with the other actors on Masters of Sex — and had to ask for "just a little shot of courage" (read: bourbon) before her first sex scene. Michael Desmond/Showtime In another role, Janney also learned from a relationship within her family. In 2011, after a long struggle with addiction, Janney's brother committed suicide. Two years later, she was cast as Bonnie Plunkett in the show Mom, about a newly sober single mom. Though the show is comedic, Janney felt it was important to illustrate what so many families face. "I thought it was time to show a family struggling with this, because it seems like these days everybody is struggling with recovering from something," she says. "I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to show what that's like." Janney, who is best known for her role as White House press secretary C.J.

Cregg on The West Wing, has been nominated for two upcoming Emmy Awards: one for outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her performance in Masters of Sex, and another for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her role in CBS's Mom. The Emmys air Aug. 25. Interview Highlights On feeling awkward filming sex scenes The situation is so awkward that you do have to become fast friends [with the other actors], or you look for anything to be comfortable with your scene partner. Maybe that's sharing some silly thing that happened with you in bed your first time or whatever — anything to break the ice. More 'Masters Of Sex' Interviews On Fresh Air Michael Sheen On The 'Accuracy And Invention' Of Real-Life Roles I had to ask for just a little shot of courage before I had my first sex scene with Teddy Sears [on Masters of Sex] who is just the most gorgeous, wonderful, handsome specimen. ... When I say courage, just a little shot of bourbon ... I just wanted something to take the edge off because I was beyond nervous. Who gets to do a sex scene when you're 50? ... The worst part is, I think, doing the run-through for the crew when they come in.

You have a private rehearsal. And they're very great on Masters of Sex to keep the set very private, and [they] respect everyone. You go through [the motions] with the director, and then they invite the crew in because they have to see it in order to boom it and light it — and that's the part that just feels so weird. On her brother's death informing her role on Mom The loss of my brother was a huge moment, a life-changer for me. I spent a long time trying to help him get sober. I sent him to countless rehabs — I tried to be there to help him. And when I lost him, this show Mom came along two years after. I thought, "This is good. I feel like I'm qualified to be in this world." I've gone to many Al-Anon meetings, many open AA meetings; I've been to rehab places with my brother. I just know that world. I had to go through it a lot. ... I didn't feel that there was anything anyone was making fun of [in] this process at all. I thought it was time to show a family struggling with this, because it seems like these days everybody is struggling with recovering from something.

I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to show what that's like. Janney has also been in many movies, including Primary Colors, American Beauty, Juno and The Help. Larry Busacca/Getty Images On playing press secretary C.J. Cregg on The West Wing, and whether Aaron Sorkin's snappy dialogue translated into real life Unfortunately that was the biggest disappointment, that that didn't just seep into my skin and my brain and I was able to just speak like Aaron Sorkin writes the minute I left that show. But no, I don't have that razor wit that C.J. had. Politics scared the crap out of me because I didn't grow up in a family where we talked about anything, really, except, "Pass the peas, and do this." ... We didn't really have political discussions at the dinner table. I didn't learn how to watch or listen to politics. And then to have to step into this world and really be an actress ... I had no idea what I was talking about half the time.

And I'd study my lines going, "What the hell am I talking about?" I learned a great deal doing that show and I loved it, but I felt really just a fish out of water when we'd go to Washington and go out to dinner and I'd meet all the former press secretaries and be sitting around with [former President Clinton's press secretaries] Dee Dee Myers and Joe Lockhart. I'd just get so nervous — I didn't know what to ask them. On getting roles as a tall actor I say I'm 5 feet 12 inches. I'm definitely 6 feet. In my heels I'm 6 feet 3 inches. ... [As a kid], I was always sort of a late bloomer in a lot of things. I always felt that way. I felt like my career started late and I think it was because of my height — and maybe some of my confidence issues. I was playing 40-year-old women when I was 20. I didn't get considered for ingenue roles. Maybe I just wasn't ready, but things started happening when I turned 38. ...

I think my height probably did have something to do with it — but [my height] also helped me in certain parts. It's made me definitely more of a character actress in terms of my love of doing comedy. I get cast as either the smartest woman in the room or the drunkest woman in the room, and a lot of stuff in between. But I do well getting those kinds of parts — authoritative or completely crazy, which I love. I love both of those kinds of roles. Allison Janney | Television Academy Television Academy Birthplace: Boston, MA Birthday: November 19 Primetime Emmy Award winner Allison Janney stars on CBS series Mom and also guest stars in the critically-lauded Showtime cable series Masters of Sex. She is widely known to fans of long-running television series The West Wing as White House Press Secretary CJ Cregg in the drama. Primetime Emmy Award winner Allison Janney stars on CBS series Mom and also guest stars in the critically-lauded Showtime cable series Masters of Sex. She is widely known to fans of long-running television series The West Wing as White House Press Secretary CJ Cregg in the drama.

Janney co-starred in Academy Award-nominated film The Help, for which the cast won ensemble awards from the Screen Actors Guild, National Board of Review and the Broadcast Film Critics. She also appeared in the Oscar-winning ensemble hit Juno, the movie adaption of Tony Award-winning play Hairspray and Academy Award-winner American Beauty, among other productions. Janney, who starred opposite Meryl Streep in The Hours, also delivered a well-received performance in feature Life During Wartime and has been heard in the animated films Over the Hedge as as the voice of “Gladys” and Finding Nemo as “Peach.” While just a freshman studying acting at Kenyon College in Ohio, Janney auditioned for Paul Newman — who, along with his wife Joanne Woodward, suggested she further her studies at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. Having followed their advice, she went on thereafter to make her critically-acclaimed Broadway theatre debut in Present Laughter, earn her first Ton Award nomination for her work in Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge and more recently, garner another Tony for her turn in perennial musical 9 to 5. Allison Janney presents an award at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.

Invision/AP Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney on the red carpet at the 2016 Creative Arts Emmys. Invision/AP Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford present at the 2016 Creative Arts Emmys. Invision/AP Allison Janney backstage at the 67th Emmy Awards. Invision/AP Allison Janney backstage at the 67th Emmy Awards. Invision/AP Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney backstage at the 67th Emmy Awards. Invision/AP Allison Janney accepts her award at the 67th Emmy Awards. Invision/AP Amy Poehler and Amy Schumer present Allison Janney an award at the 67th Emmy Awards. Invision/AP Allison Janney and Philip Joncas at the 2015 Creative Arts Emmys. Invision/AP Allison Janney arrives at the Performers Peer Group nominee reception in West Hollywood. Invision/AP Allison Janney and Matt Jones arrive at the Performers Peer Group nominee reception in West Hollywood. Invision/AP Kate Walsh (l) Allison Janney (c) and Octavia Spencer (r) at the 66th Emmy Awards. Invision/AP Allison Janney of Mom celebrates at the 66th Emmys.

Invision/AP Octavia Spencer and Allison Janney at the 66th Emmys. Invision/AP Kathy Bates (l) of American Horror Story: Coven accepts an award from Allison Janney (c) and Octavia Spencer (r) at the 66th Emmy Awards. Invision/AP Allison Janney (l) and Octavia Spencer of (r) present an award at the 66th Emmys. Invision/AP Allison Janney of Mom accepts an award at the 66th Emmys. Invision/AP Jimmy Kimmel (r) presents an award to Allison Janney (l) of Mom at the 66th Emmys. Invision/AP Allison Janney of Masters of Sex and Mom arrives at the 66th Emmys. Invision/AP Bob Bergen (l) and Allison Janney (r) of Masters of Sex and Mom attend the Performers nominee reception. Invision/AP 66th Emmy Award nominees attend the Performers nominee reception. Invision/AP Allison Janney (l) and Beau Bridges (r) of Masters of Sex at the 2014 Creative Arts Emmys ball.

Invision/AP Masters of Sex guest actress Allison Janney celebrates her win at the 2014 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys. Invision/AP Allison Janney accepts the award for Outstanding Guest Actress for her work on Masters of Sex. Invision/AP Allison Janney and Amy Schumer at the 2014 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys. Invision/AP Allison Janney arrives for the 2014 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys. Invision/AP Television Academy Governor Bob Bergen and 66th Primetime Emmy nominees Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Hale, Minnie Driver, Allison Janney and Ty Burrell at the Performers Peer Group nominee reception. Invision/AP 66th Primetime Emmy nominees Minnie Driver, Allison Janney and Ty Burrell at the Performers Peer Group nominee reception. Invision/AP 66th Primetime Emmy nominees at the Performers Peer Group nominee reception. Invision/AP 66th Primetime Emmy nominees Minnie Driver, Allison Janney, Ty Burrell, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson at the Performers Peer Group nominee reception.

Invision/AP Allison Janney - IMDb IMDb Doctor Strange Confirmed to Appear in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ 8 hours ago View Resume » Allison Janney is an award-winning actress who has earned a solid reputation in stage productions and in many supporting roles on screen, and who more recently has become prominent by portraying one of the major characters in the popular TV series The West Wing (1999). Entertainment Weekly magazine describes Janney's screen presence as "uncommonly ... See full bio » Born: "No Small Parts" IMDb Exclusive: "Westworld" Star Thandie Newton Actress Thandie Newton has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance as Maeve in the HBO's " Westworld ." What other significant parts has she played over the years? Visit IMDb's Golden Globes section for red-carpet photos, videos, and more.

a list of 42 people created 22 Jun 2011 a list of 45 people created 17 May 2012 a list of 46 people created 29 Jan 2013 a list of 29 people created 23 Jun 2015 a list of 25 people created 19 Aug 2015 Do you have a demo reel? Add it to your IMDbPage How much of Allison Janney's work have you seen? User Polls Nominated for 5 Golden Globes. Another 45 wins & 54 nominations.

See more awards » Known For 2016 The Simpsons (TV Series) Julia 2015 Binky Nelson Unpacified (Video short) Madge Nelson (voice) 2012 Friday Night Dinner (TV Movie) Barbara Fisher 2009 The Battery's Down (TV Series) Caroline Carroll 2001 A Girl Thing (TV Movie) Kathy McCormack 1998 David and Lisa (TV Movie) Alix 1995 New York Undercover (TV Series) Vivian 1995 The Wright Verdicts (TV Series) Assistant District Attorney Alice Klein 1992-1994 Law & Order (TV Series) Ann Madsen / Nora 1993 Blind Spot (TV Movie) Doreen 1991 Morton & Hayes (TV Series) Mrs.

Hayes / Beatrice Caldicott 1952 Guiding Light (TV Series) Ginger (1993-1995) Soundtrack (7 credits) 2013-2016 Mom (TV Series) (performer - 2 episodes) - Estrogen and a Hearty Breakfast (2013) ... (performer: "Son of a Preacher Man" - uncredited) 2011 Mr. Sunshine (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode) - Lingerie Football (2011) ... (performer: "A Song for You" - uncredited) 2009 Charlie Rose (TV Series) (performer - 2 episodes) - Episode dated 24 August 2009 (2009) ... (performer: "9 to 5") - Dolly Parton (2009) ...

(performer: "9 to 5") 2009 The 63rd Annual Tony Awards (TV Special) (performer: "9 To 5") 2009 The View (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode) - Episode dated 1 May 2009 (2009) ... (performer: "Shine Like The Sun" - uncredited) 2008 CMT Insider (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode) 2003-2004 The West Wing (TV Series) (performer - 2 episodes) - The Supremes (2004) ... (performer: "American Pie" - uncredited) - Abu el Banat (2003) ... (performer: "Sleigh Ride" - uncredited) Hide 2009 The Making of 'Away We Go' (Video documentary short) (special thanks) Hide 2016 Comedy Bang! Bang! (TV Series) Herself 2014-2016 Omg!

Insider (TV Series) Herself / Herself - Mom / Herself - Masters of Sex - Episode dated 30 October 2014 (2014) ... Herself - Masters of Sex 2014-2016 Conan (TV Series) 2014-2016 Live! with Kelly (TV Series) Herself - Guest - Benedict Cumberbatch/Allison Janney (2014) ... Herself - Guest 2016 Today (TV Series) 2016 CBS News Sunday Morning (TV Series documentary) Herself 2015 The Chew (TV Series) Herself 2015 CBS This Morning (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2015 I'll Have What Phil's Having (TV Series documentary) Herself 2015 Inside Edition (TV Series documentary) Herself 2008-2015 Entertainment Tonight (TV Series) Herself / Herself - Mom 2015 Janela Indiscreta (TV Series) Herself 2004-2015 Jimmy Kimmel Live!

(TV Series) Herself - Guest 2011-2015 The Talk (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2015 Key and Peele (TV Series) Herself / Robot God 2014-2015 The Soup (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2004-2014 The View (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2014 Chelsea Lately (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2014 Tavis Smiley (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2014 Rachael Ray (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2014 Larry King Now (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2014 Hollywood Game Night (TV Series) Herself - Panelist 2011-2013 Made in Hollywood (TV Series) Herself 2009 It's Still Me!

(Video documentary short) Narrator (voice) 2008/I The Captain (Documentary short) Narrator 2008 CMT Insider (TV Series) Herself 2008 American Idol (TV Series) Herself - Audience Member 2007 The EcoZone Project (TV Series) Herself (2007) 2007 It's 'Hairspray'! (Video documentary short) Herself 2006 HBO First Look (TV Series documentary) Herself 2003-2005 Celebrity Poker Showdown (TV Series) Herself 2004 Happy Birthday Oscar Wilde (TV Movie documentary) Herself 2004 Emmy's Greatest Moments (TV Movie documentary) Herself 2004 Intimate Portrait (TV Series documentary) Herself 2002 Saturday Night Live (TV Series) Herself 2002 The Daily Show (TV Series) Herself - Guest 1998-2001 Charlie Rose (TV Series) Herself - Guest 2015-2016 Omg! Insider (TV Series) Herself 2016 Live!

with Kelly (TV Series) Herself 2014-2015 Entertainment Tonight (TV Series) Herself / Herself - Mom 2013 Chelsea Lately (TV Series) Bonnie in 'Mom' Personal Details Other Works: She acted in the musical, "9 to 5: The Musical," on Broadway in New York City with Marc Kudisch in the cast. Dolly Parton wrote the original score. Andy Blankenbuehler was choreographer. See more » Publicity Listings: 7 Interviews | 5 Articles | 2 Magazine Cover Photos | See more » Height: Did You Know? Personal Quote: [2011, on making Mr. Sunshine (2011)] Oh my God. I mean, it was just a candy store for me. I had so much fun playing her, and I wish I could've gone on playing her, because she was really fun. I love to play those absurd women. And I got to sing with James Taylor ! If nothing else, I got to do that. And Matthew Perry is pretty great to work with, too. I had a great time. I'm sorry and sad it ...

See more » Trivia: Is one of 105 people invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in 2008. See more » Trademark:

Question: In which TV series did Alison Janney play 'C.J. Cregg', a Press Secretary?
Answer: 'THE WEST WING'